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Nepal Visa, Passport & Money Advice

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  • FAQ Nepal

    • When you’re planning a trip to Nepal, it’s important to have up to date information before your journey begins. From passports and visas to useful money tips, we’ve compiled some information to give you a helping hand.

    Visa & Passports

    All foreign tourists travelling to Nepal need a visa and a passport valid for at least six months after departure. You can apply in advance at the Nepalese embassy or consulate in your home country.

    Otherwise, you must complete the online visa application before you travel, even if you're getting your visa on arrival. Apply no more than 15 days before you arrive, then have your passport stamped at the immigration counter at the airport or land border.

    Payment can be made online by card, or on arrival in cash (USD only). A 15-day visa costs USD 30, a 30-day visa USD 50 and a 90-day visa USD 125.

    For more details, visit the Nepal Department of Immigration website.

    Nepal overland border
    trekking in nepal

    Trekking Permits

    If you’re venturing out into the mountains on a trek during your Nepal holiday, you’ll need to apply for a trekking permit. By issuing these permits, the Nepalese immigration office can monitor the number of people out on a trek at any given time. Permits are arranged by our local partners and the costs are included in your itinerary.

    Local Currency

    The currency in Nepal is the Nepali Rupee. We recommend taking some US dollars and Rupees in small denomination notes so you can use them in the smaller towns where you can’t use your credit card.

    Credit and Debit Cards

    The main banks in Kathmandu and Pokhara all have cash machines and almost all of them accept major credit and debit cards. Of course when you’re off trekking you won’t find any cash points! Smaller banks such as the Himalaya Bank also have cash machines, though we would recommend only using theses machines during bank opening hours so as not to run the risk of losing your card if the system crashes.

    local currency
    Local man in Nepal

    Tips and Haggling

    While travelling in Nepal, tipping is customary and much appreciated. In the cheaper hotels 5% or some loose change is sufficient, in more up-market establishments 10% is customary. Please use your discretion for good service.